Amid renewed political turmoil in Bangladesh, both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Awami League have voiced opposition to plans for ousting President Mohammed Shahabuddin “Chuppu.” The controversy arose as student groups, leading protests against the President, gheraoed the Bangabhawan—his official residence—on Tuesday. However, security forces prevented them from breaching the barricades. Similar protests earlier this year resulted in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
The BNP, one of the country’s major political parties, warned that the President’s removal could create a “constitutional vacuum,” delaying the restoration of democracy. Salahuddin Ahmed, a BNP standing committee member, stated that removing the President would lead to instability and strengthen “fascist forces” that have already undermined the rule of law in Bangladesh.
The Awami League, now in opposition following Hasina’s ouster, also opposed the move and questioned the legality of the interim government. Party spokesperson Selim Mahmud, who remains in hiding, asserted that the government was legally established through elections, and removing the President would further destabilize the country. Mahmud stressed that the interim government has no constitutional authority to oust a legally elected President.
Tensions escalated after law professor Asif Nazrul, who is considered a key figure behind the protests, accused President Chuppu of lying about Hasina’s resignation. The President recently stated that he had not received any resignation letter from Hasina, which triggered a backlash from Nazrul and student groups. Nazrul claims that Chuppu had previously acknowledged Hasina’s resignation after she fled to India on August 5. The protests against the President have intensified, with Chuppu seen as the last remnant of the Awami League’s rule.
Amid the political strife, the military has emerged as a crucial player. With both the Army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and the Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, currently out of the country, command has temporarily passed to Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman. Analysts believe that the Army now holds the key to the political future of the President. If the military supports Chuppu, he may declare an emergency and appoint a new council of advisers. However, if the Army sides with the interim government, Chuppu’s ability to retain his position may be severely undermined.
As protests continue and the political landscape remains uncertain, the coming days will be critical in determining whether President Chuppu can maintain his hold on power or if Bangladesh will face further instability.
